TRURO - Dogs and their people have been enjoying Truro's new dog park since it opened in mid-September.
The off-leash park, located on Lorne Street, is new to the area.
North River's Jill Moore was one of the people at the park on the weekend with her dogs, Jack and Jersey. The four-year-old Springer spaniel and the two-year-old Labrador retriever mix ran about energetically as she watched.
"We've been using the park ever since it opened," she said. "I have fields behind my home, but this is much better for socializing. I enjoy meeting other dog owners and it gives the dogs a chance to play with other dogs. I think we are very fortunate to have this.
"There are rules for the park, but they are very reasonable. One thing I would suggest is that anyone coming in the evening bring bug spray."
There is a pond inside the park, so dogs which enjoy water will most likely end up wet. Clean-up bags are available for anyone who forgets to bring one, and a few balls are left at the park for dogs to play with.
"I've been coming here quite often," said Amy Yuill, a North River resident who brings her seven-year-old German shepherd Koda. "The pond is a great place for dogs to cool down in hot weather."
Donelda Richards has been bringing her two-year-old dog, Buddy, to the park every day since it opened.
"I work 12-hour shifts and come after work in the evening," she said. "I used to take him for walks on the leash, but that's not the same."
The park is usually busiest around 6:30 p.m. That is the time regular users are calling
power hour, with as many as 15 dogs playing at one time.
Gace Smith was one of the people involved in establishing the park.
"I am very pleased with the work and thought that Doug MacKenzie has put into the park and I love taking my dogs there," she said. "It means so much to me because now there is a place to get them exercise and socialization without bothering people who don't like dogs."
The park is not fenced on the side most distant from the gate, so it is important that people have reasonable control over their dogs. The park is located on Lorne Street, next to the softball field.
